Open end ratchet wrench



Dec. 15, 1964 K. L. SEARCY 3,161,091

OPEN END RA'I'CHET WRENCH I Filed April 29, 1963 2 Sheets-Sheet 1 Fig.

Fig. 5 Kenneth L- Sears! 84 92 INVENTOR.

| g I fi 7 6 i. a Attorneys Dec. 15, 1964 K. L. sEARcY 3,161,091

OPEN END RATCHET WRENCH Filed April 29, 1965 2 h he t 2 Fig. 6

Fig. /0 40 Kenneth L. Searcy INVENTOR.

United States Patent 3,161,091 (BPEN END RATCHET WRENCH Kenneth L. Searcy, R0. Box 116, Neah Bay, Wash. Filed Apr. 29, 1963, Ser. No. 276,300 3 Claims. (Cl. 81-62) My invention comprises a novel and useful open end ratchet wrench and more particularly pertains to an improved wrench of the ratchet type combining therewith the advantages of an open end wrench together with a ratchet mechanism.

A primary object of my invention is to provide an improved ratchet wrench whose specific construction shall enable it to be conveniently and advantageously applied to pipe fittings, cable turnbuckles, fuel and hydraulic couplings, electrical conduit connectors, nuts engaged with long bolts and other articles which cannot be engaged by a conventional ratchet wrench.

A further object is to provide a wrench in accordance with the preceding object which does not require tedious rotary aligning of jaw elements when being applied to a pipe or other projection.

Another object is to provide a wrench in accordance with the preceding objects having an improved continuous ratchet mechanism enabling the wrench to effectively turn an article in a step-by-step manner, even with a very limited angular movement of the wrench handle.

A further important object is to provide a wrench in accordance with the preceding objects in which the ratchet mechanism shall be completely concealed within the body of the wrench jaw member, thereby protecting the mechanism from damage or the ingress of dirt and greatly contributing towards the effective life of the moving parts.

A further object of my invention is to provide a wrench in accordance with the preceding objects having an improved reversing device by which the direction of rotation of an article may be easily and decisively changed, without removing and inverting the wrench upon the article.

Yet another object is to provide an improved wrench in accordance with the preceding objects having at one or both ends thereof a laterally offset jaw member enabling the wrench to. be used where access is extremely limited.

A further object is to provide a wrench in accordance with the preceding objects having an exceptionally light and compact design, thereby further enabling the wrench to be used in limited space.

Another important object of my invention is to provide a wrench in accordance with the preceding objects having at one or both ends thereof a jaw member with a jaw opening which detachably and interchangeably receives a series of insert socket-like members, each of a size, configuration, or character specifically adapting it for use with a particular size, shape, or type of article to be turned by the wrench.

Yet another object of the invention is to provide a wrench in accordance with the preceding objects which shall include a new and improved means for releasably retaining the insert member in the jaw opening.

Still another object is to provide a wrench in accordance with the preceding objects which may be used in connection with a wrench extension shank.

Another object of prime importance is to provide a wrench in accordance with the preceding objects which possesses great strength and durability because of its improved design.

These together with other objects and advantages which will become subsequently apparent reside in the details of construction and operation as more fullyv hereinafter'described and claimed, reference being had to the accompanying drawings form a part hereof, wherein like numerals refer to like parts throughout, and in which:

aitmsi Patented Dec. 15,, 1964 FIGURE 1 is a top plan view of an exemplary embodiment of a wrench incorporating therein the principles of this invention;

FIGURE 2 is a side elevational view of FIGURE 1;

FIGURE 3 is an enlarged plan View of a jaw member end of the wrench of FIGURES 1 and 2 but with the ratchet mechanism cover plate removed therefrom to show the position and arrangement of the ratchet mechanism therein;

FIGURE 4 is a view similar to FIGURE 3 but showing the position of the ratchet dogs in a reverse ratcheting position from that of FIGURE 3;

FIGURE 5 is a detail view in vertical transverse section taken substantially upon the plane indicated by the section line 5-5 of FIGURE 4 and showing the association of a ratchet dog with its actuator strip;

FIGURE 6 is an exploded perspective view'of a fragmentary portion of a jaw member of the wrench, the ratchet mechanism and the ratchet cover plate therefor;

FIGURE 7 is a perspective view illustrating the manner in which the wrench of my invention is utilized for engaging a nut or other article to be turned which article is located intermediate the ends of a pipe;

FIGURE 8 is an elevational view of an open-sided socket comprising an insert member which may be used with the jaw member of a wrench;

FIGURE 9 is a view in vertical central section through the socket constituting the insert member of the FIGURES 7 and 8;

FIGURE 10 is a perspective view of another form of insert member which may be used when the wrench is to be attached to an extension shank screw driver bit or other device for ratchet operation; and

FIGURE 11 is a perspective view of a wrench extension shank to be used in conjunction with the insert member of FIGURE 10.

Referring first to FIGURES 1 and 2, the numeral 10 designates generally an exemplary ratchet wrench incorporating therein the principles of this invention. As shown, the wrench isof any suitable material and construction, consisting of an elongated handle portion 12 which is provided at least at one end thereof and preferably at both ends thereof with a laterally projecting gen eraily cylindrical jaw member as at 14 and 16. Conveniently, these jaw members may be of different sizes in order that each may selectively and interchangeably receive one of a different series of graduated sizes of insert members therein. Inasmuch as the details of structure and arrangement of the jaw members 14 and 16 are identical except for the difference in size, a description of the jaw member 14 will sufice for an understanding of the construction and operation of both of the jaw members.

In the interest of obtaining maximum strength as well as the optimum utility of applying and using the wrench in confined quarters, the handle 12 at one end has a substantially straight side edge or surface 18 with which the cylindrical outer periphery or circumference of the jaw head 14 merges tangentially as shown with the diametrically opposite portion of the cylindrical jaw head projecting laterally beyond the other side edge 20 of the wrench handle.

Referring now especially to FIGURES 3, 4 and 6, it will be observed that the jaw member 14 provides an off-centered jaw opening 22 therein with the jaw mem ber terminating in tapered jaws 24 which project arcuately and circumferentially towards each other but terminate in a spaced relation to provide an access opening 26 therebetween which aifords an entrance into the jaw opening 22. As a result of this arrangement, as indicated in FIGURE 7, the wrench may be readily engaged about a pipe or similarly projecting member 30 having a nut or other article 32 thereon which is to be turned by the wrench. It is not necessary that either end of the pipe 30 be free in order that the wrench may be applied, inasmuch as the entrance opening 26 may be readily positioned about the projection in a manner and for a purpose to be subsequently set forth. It will also be noted that no hand aligning of jaw elements is necessary when engaging the wrench, since the jaws do not employ integral ratchet Wheels.

Receivable removably in the jaw opening is a series of interchangeable insert members. It will be appreciated that the series of insert members for either jaw member 14 or 16 will have a constant or uniform exterior diameter of the insertable portions so that each may be snugly received in and rotatably journaled in one jaw opening for ratcheting movement therein as set forth hereinafter, and yet are provided with different central openings such as the openings 34 and 36 in the insert member 38 and the opening 40 in the insert member 42.

At this point, it may be noted that the insert member 38 is preferably in the form of a socket wrench whose opening 36 is adapted to embrace the article 32 to be turned by the wrench, while the central opening 40 of the insert member 42 is preferably a non-circular opening adapted to receive the shank of a screw driver, other tool or a socket wrench extension shank or the like 104, see FIGURE 11, for rotation thereby. In either case, the insert member 38 or 42 may be removably received and journaled in the jaw opening 22 and is secured thereto for ratcheting movement by a ratchet mechanism of a particular construction to be subsequently set forth.

Referring next more specifically to FIGURES 3, 4 and 6, it will be observed that the jaw opening 22 of the jaw member 14 has a generally cylindrical inner peripheral wall defining the jaw opening. Recesses 72 and 74 are provided in the concave cylindrical surface of the wall to provide pockets or cavities for the reception of ratchet dogs 76 therein. The dogs consist of rectangular blocks, with one side having pivot pins or trunnions 80 extending axially and oppositely therefrom, by which the dogs are pivotally mounted within the recesses 72 and 74 and stabilized in apertures 82 of the C-shaped cover plate 84 and the opposite face of the jaw member. The cover plate is removably received into a corresponding recess 86 in one face of the jaw member, and countersunk or recessed fasteners such as screw 88 serve to removably secure it in place.

An actuator strip 90 is interned in a shallow trough in the recess, 86 beneath the cover plate 84, as shown in FIGURE 5. At its mid portion, the actuator strip is provided with an L-shaped lip which extends upwardly through a slot 96 formed in the jaw member and is terminated by a flanged reversing button 94 which covers the slot. It will be noted that the ratchet mechanism is thereby completely enclosed but is yet readily accessible through removal of the cover plate. Wire springs as at 92 link the opposite ends of the actuator strip to the ratchet dogs 76 so that when arcuate movement is given to the strip by the reversing button, it will selectively advance one dog while retracting the other, thereby effecting reverse ratchet movement of the insert member within the jaw opening.

Referring again more particularly to FIGURE 9, it will be seen that the insert member 38 in the form of a socket wrench is provided with central openings 34 and 36 therein from its opposite ends. Opening 36 is a grooved or polygonal opening for engaging the object to be turned, while opening 34 is smaller and cylindrical, thus providing a stop means for the article being turned and a stabilizing support for a pipe or other object 30 projecting from the article. The drive portion surrounding the diametrically reduced cylindrical opening 34 is provided on its outer surface with a series of circumferentially spaced and radially extending teeth 48 comprising ratchet teeth for direct engagement by the ratchet dogs 76.

As will be further noted from FIGURE 9, at the junction of the drive portion 46 and the working end 44, the insert member is provided with an annular plane surface or shoulder 50 comprising a stop means which is of slightly greater diameter than the drive portion of the insert member and the corresponding jaw opening of the wrench, and which thereby limits axial movement of the socket member through the jaw opening.

Referring next to FIGURE 8, it will be observed that it is preferred to form the socket wrench insert member 38 as a sectional body, consisting of a main body portion 52 and an arcuate section or segment 54 which are hingedly connected together as by a hinge pin 56 engaging cooperating lugs as at 58. Thus, the two sections of the socket wrench body may be selectively closed or opened as suggested in FIGURES 7 and 8 whereby they may be readily applied to or removed from a pipe 30 or the like and may be axially moved into or out of engagement with the nut 32 or other article to be turned by the wrench.

In order to facilitate the use of the insert member 38, it is desirable to provide some means for resiliently retaining the sections thereof in their closed positions, as by a wire spring 61) of an inherently arcuate shape and which has its extremities as at 62 and 64 seated in bores 66 and 68 respectively in the arcuate section 54 and in the main portion 52 of the insert member. Further, as shown best in FIGURE 9, the outer periphery of the drive portion 46 of the insert member may be provided with a continuous circumferential groove or channel as at 70 in which the spring 60 may be reclined. To avoid over exerting the spring, the hinge 58 may be provided mith a stop means 108 to limit the distance that the segment 54 may be opened. Thus the member may be hinged to the open position to facilitate its application about the member 30 or the removal therefrom, and will be self urged as by a spring to its closed position in readiness for being received in the jaw opening of the wrench. It will be noted that this self-closing feature prevents undue stress and wear on the hinge 58 when the insert member is not held in the wrench and also adds to a neat appearance of the members while reposed in a tool chest.

At this point reference is made to FIGURE 10 and the insert member 42, which is of solid construction. This member likewise is provided with a ratchet drive portion 74 having a circumferentially spaced series of radially extending teeth 78 and an annular stop shoulder 76 adjoining the teeth at one end. The side surface 72 of this shoulder may be thin, as shown in FIGURE 10, or it may be in the form of an elongated, box-type socket end with a grooved or polygonal opening. In either case, the opening 40 of the drive end 74 would preferably be square in shape to facilitate the use of an attachable tool or a wrench extension shank 104, as shown in FIGURE 11.

Provided in both the open-sided and the closed insert members is a means whereby the members may be releasably retained in the jaw opening of the wrench to prevent their accidental displacement. As shown in FIGURE 7 and 10, the ratchet teeth of the insert members 38 and 42 are terminated by narrow annular portions and 102 respectively. These annular bands are flush with the outer faces of the ratchet teeth and thereby form stop ribs in the ends of the depressed teeth which prevent the insert members from sliding axially over the exerted ratchet dogs.

In order to facilitate entrance of the insert members 38 and 42 into the jaw opening, each member is slightly beveled or rounded at the outer edge of the annular band 100 or 102. The exposed corners 98 of the ratchet dogs 76 are also beveled or rounded for this purpose.

An important feature of the ratchet mechanism is the highly advantageous design and placement of the dogs 76 in the jaw member, whereby they direct the driving force away from the access opening of the jaws at all times. It will also be recognized that because of the improved construction of the mechanism including a minimum of mov- U ing parts and a negligible amount of hollow space in the jaw member, the wrench is inherently slender and coinpact in design.

From the foregoing description it is believed that the operation of the tool will bereadily understood. By virtue of the sectional construction of the insert member 38, it is evident that this member may be readily applied over a pipe 30 or the like. Thereafter the jaw opening of the wrench may also be placed over the pipe, and the insert member and wrench may then be engaged axially over the article to be turned, with no rotary alignment being necessary. Upon being moved into the jaw opening, the insert member will be retained therein by the engagement of a ratchet dog '76 and the stop ribs formed at the termination of the depressed ratchet teeth 48 by the annular band 1%. The member maythen be turned in a step by step fashion with a small lateral movement of the wrench handle 12. Insert member 42 may also be driven directly by the ratchet dogs '76 and retained in the jaw opening by the same means as previously described, or it may be engagged and driven by the Wrench extension shank lli i, whereon it is retained by a spring-backed ball bearing 106.

The foregoing is considered as illustrative only of the principles of the invention. Further, since numerous modifications and changes will readily occur to those skilled in the art, it is not desired to limit the invention to the exact construction and operation shown and described, and accordingly, all suitable modifications and equivalents may be resorted to, falling Within the scope of the invention as claimed.

What is claimed as new is as follows:

1. A wrench comprising a handle provided atat least one end thereof with an integral laterally extending jaw .ead including a pair of arcuate jaws extending circumferentially towards each other with 'their ends spaced apart providing an entrance therebetween and fiat top and bottom faces, each of said jaws having an outer and an inner wall converging towards one another to the jaw end and t e inner walls of both jaws being contiguous providing a cylindrical inner wall fhr jaw head, said head top face having a' C-shaped recess opening into said head inner wall, a cover mating with said C-shaped recess,

means detachably retaining said cover in said C-shaped recess, a pair of oppositely positioned dog recesses each positioned in one of said jaws and opening into said C- shaped recess and said head inner wall, a pair of oppositely directed pawl dogs each pivotally mounted in one of said dog, recesses capable of being completely housed in its dog recess and pivoted to partially extend beyond said head inner wall, said head further having a shallow trough opening into said C-shaped recess and extending on a curve between said dog recesses, an actuator strip slideably mounted in said shallow trough, a pair of wire springs each linking one of said pawl dogs to said actuator strip whereby sliding of said actuator strip will selectively advance one pawl dog partially beyond said head inner wall while retracting the other pawl dog within its dog recess, said head top face having a slot therein opening into said C-shaped recess, means extending from said actuator strip through said slot for the moving of said actuator strip, and a cylindrical insert member rotatably and detachably positioned within said head inner wall and having a series of outer peripheral recesses for being engaged by one pawl dog at a time and a bore with straight sided walls.

2. A wrench as claimed in claim 1 including a pair of each positioned at an opposite end of said trough and terminating below said cover and each of said wire springs partially extending around one of said pins for being pivoted therearound upon movement of said actuator strip.

3. A wrench as claimed in claim 1 wherein each of said pawl dogs has an end portion thereof for extending beyond said head inner wall, squared with beveled corners to facilitate the entrance of said insert member between said head inner wall.

References Cited by the Examiner UNITED STATES PATENTS WILLIAM FELDMAN, Primary Examiner. 

1. A WRENCH COMPRISING A HANDLE PROVIDED AT LEAST ONE END THEREOF WITH AN INTEGRAL LATERALLY EXTENDING JAW HEAD INCLUDING A PAIR OF ARCUATE JAWS EXTENDING CIRCUMFERENTIALLY TOWARD EACH OTHER WITH THEIR ENDS SPACED APART PROVIDING AN ENTRANCE THEREBETWEEN AND FLAT TOP AND BOTTOM FACES, EACH OF SAID JAWS HAVING AN OUTER AND AN INNER WALL CONVERGING TOWARDS ONE ANOTHER TO THE JAW END AND THE INNER WALLS OF BOTH JAWS BEING CONTIGUOUS PROVIDING A CYLINDRICAL INNER WALL FOR SAID JAW HEAD, SAID HEAD TOP FACE HAVING A C-SHAPED RECESS OPENING INTO SAID HEAD INNER WALL, A COVER MATING WITH SAID C-SHAPED RECESS, MEANS DETACHABLY RETAINING SAID COVER IN SAID C-SHAPED RECESS, A PAIR OF OPPOSITELY POSITIONED DOG RECESSES EACH POSITIONED IN ONE OF SAID JAWS AND OPENING INTO SAID CSHAPED RECESS AND SAID HEAD INNER WALL, A PAIR OF OPPOSITELY DIRECTED PAWL DOGS EACH PIVOTALLY MOUNTED IN ONE OF SAID DOG RECESSES CAPABLE OF BEING COMPLETELY HOUSED IN ITS DOG RECESS AND PIVOTED TO PARTIALLY EXTEND BEYOND SAID 